60% of Spaniards know the concept of carbon footprints, but only 11% claim to know what their personal footprint is. When asked if they are aware of the impact of their purchases on their carbon footprint, this figure rises to 32%, and 77% say they want to learn about this impact. In addition, 66% make purchasing decisions based on the sustainability commitment of suppliers. These are some of the results of the Mastercard ‘Perception of Sustainability in Spain’ barometer.[1] Within the framework of the new sustainability campaign launched with Areas and WorldCoo. This campaign promotes solidarity by rounding up purchases made at Regional stations of main airports, train stations and highways to support the company’s initiative launched in 2020, Priceless Planet CoalitionThe goal is to reforest 100 million trees by 2025.
What would the Spaniards give up to reduce their carbon footprint?
49% of Hispanics know of a measure to reduce their carbon footprint, the rate being higher for women (52%) and those aged 30 to 44 (53%). When asked about key measures they believe will reduce their carbon footprint, they highlight recycling and reuse (64%), responsible consumption (56%), producing less waste (52%), or minimizing any form of transport (40%). %).
Spaniards believe that it is mobility by plane (34%) and car (26%) that generates the most CO2 emissions, followed by buying clothes (11%) and electronic devices (6%) over great distances. . And what activities would Spaniards be willing to reduce to reduce their environmental impact? Following the same order, respondents would reduce mobility by plane (39%), mobility by car (36%), clothing purchase (34%), and electronic device purchase (25%).
This is how carbon footprints affect purchasing decisions
Of the 66% who stated that they make their purchasing decisions according to whether the supplier is committed to sustainability, especially 11% always and 55% occasionally do so. 51% say they have stopped purchasing a product because of the supplier’s environmental behavior or a poor reputation for sustainability. Of these, 34% did it several times and 17% only once. The remaining 49% have never stopped purchasing a product or service from a supplier due to their poor reputation in the sustainable space.
When asked if they are interested in knowing about the CO2 balance at the same time as a product or service is purchased, 60% of respondents are interested in knowing this and incorporate this information into their purchasing decisions. 24% want to know the CO2 balance even though they do not determine their purchasing decisions, and 16% do not want to know this information. And what would be the best way to get this data? Respondents believe that the application of a “traffic light” / label showing CO2 emissions is the main highlighted way to learn more about the impact on their carbon footprint (43%).
88% prefer electronic invoice for their shopping
Nearly 90% of the interviewees prefer to receive invoices for their purchases electronically from all businesses (59%) or from certain businesses (29%), while 12% prefer to receive them in physical form. Those who prefer electronic tickets mostly base their preferences on their ability to contribute to reducing their carbon footprint (62.4%) and secondly on their comfort (28.3%). Only 9.3% of those who prefer e-tickets state that the store they purchased from offers e-tickets directly.
Those who refuse electronic tickets do so because they do not find it more secure (52%). Other reasons, such as not knowing how to use the apps where tickets are saved (27%) or the regular store not offering this option (22%), were mentioned far behind.
More than 90% of employees are unaware of their company’s work on ESG
Mastercard’s barometer also deals with ESG criteria information. 95% of respondents do not know what they are. After explaining what these criteria consist of, more than 90% of employees are unaware of their company’s ESG initiatives. Likewise, an equally high proportion (94%) are unaware of the carbon footprint produced by the company they work for. And despite this widespread ignorance, it is important for 73% of workers to work in a place that respects the environment and takes action against climate change. 70% of employees who emphasize this importance find it very or very important.
Mastercard’s Commitment to Sustainability
One of the main objectives of the ‘Perception of Sustainability in Spain’ barometer is to find out the level of knowledge and sensitivity of citizens in this area: what worries them, how do they apply sustainability in their daily lives, what role does it play in their purchases? their knowledge of decisions or measures taken by the company for which they work.
And sustainability is one of Mastercard’s pillars. Only with Domains and WorldCoo, not through campaigns or initiatives Priceless Planet CoalitionOther actions in terms of sustainability adopted by the company, such as the carbon footprint calculator developed in collaboration with Swedish Fintech Doconomy, which allows consumers to view the estimated carbon footprint produced by their purchases. You can also integrate Mastercard Donation technology, which allows you to donate to environmental causes, potentially helping offset the emissions generated by those purchases. Likewise, Mastercard is committed to reducing emissions across its operations and value chain to achieve net zero emissions by 2040.
“This barometer brings up two very noteworthy issues. On the one hand, the continuing lack of knowledge in society in terms of sustainability, and on the other, something very encouraging: the high determination of citizens to tackle the climate crisis. Companies should act as facilitators and guides on this path and provide the necessary tools to mitigate the consequences of climate change. Mastercard’s commitment to sustainability is part of our ESG strategy aimed at impacting people, the planet and the well-being of all.” indicates Paloma Real, Managing Director of Mastercard Spain.
To learn more about Mastercard’s commitment to sustainability, see the 2022 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Annual Report.
About MasterCard
Mastercard is a global technology company in the payments industry. Our mission is to connect and strengthen an inclusive digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere by making transactions safe, simple, smart and accessible. Using secure data and networks, partnerships and passion, our innovations and solutions help individuals, financial institutions, governments and businesses realize their full potential. With our connections in more than 210 countries and regions, we are building a sustainable world that opens up possibilities. priceless for all.
[1] Mastercard’s ‘Perception of Sustainability in Spain’ barometer was based on 1,500 interviews with people aged 16-65, residing in Spain and having regional representation. Interviews were held between 8-20 June 2023.
Source: Informacion

James Sean is a writer for “Social Bites”. He covers a wide range of topics, bringing the latest news and developments to his readers. With a keen sense of what’s important and a passion for writing, James delivers unique and insightful articles that keep his readers informed and engaged.